CCD and CTEH Release Statement on the Situation in Honduras

Christian Commission for Development –Theological Evangelical Community of Honduras (CTEH) and Pastors and Church leaders related to the CTEH

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July, 30th, 2009

¨The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17

We are concerned about the political crisis in our country which has brought along the destruction of constitutional rights that violate the Inter-American Democratic Letter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The coup perpetrated on June 28th of this year by the political and military elite has no other qualification than the betrayal of democracy and the Honduran nation that calls for a true participatory democracy.

We express our strong dissatisfaction with the military coup in our country and all the consequences brought about as being virtually isolated from the international community and facing the trade and political embargo by our neighbors of the Central American Integration System (SICA). The damage have been multiple in every way: socially, economically, psychologically and spiritually.

We are at a crucial point in this situation, so as part of the Body of Christ, we pledge to support the people in opposition to the breakdown of the basic principles of the democratic system that among other major issues includes the violation of human rights by oppressive systems.

The most vulnerable population that as church and church related organizations we have accompanied since our institutional creation is the one getting the greatest impact of this crisis which the main actors never imagined since it has reached world repudiation.

Our interest is not tilted in any of the parties of this conflict much less to say that there is an absolute truth, because at this moment it is uncertain. We raise our voices as churches and church related agencies, engaged in establishing the Kingdom of God on this Earth and do not endorse the position taken by some church leaders who by defending the constitutional principles, neglected the most important issue from their position: the Gospel of Jesus Christ that calls us to live in justice, love and to accompany our people.

The situation tends to deteriorate more and more. Little evidence of an early solution to this conflict can be seen. We fear that there could be more deaths and that we could loose the little security that still exists. We are outraged to think that hatred is gaining ground dragging us along for not wanting to reflect on time. We firmly believe that the God of Life, who acknowledges us all no matter our differences, DO NOT approve us destroying each other.

We agree on the dialogue between the parties to resolve this conflict, but we urge that results are provided as soon as possible. It has been proved that prolonging a response only irritates the morale and performance of individuals. We encourage strengthening ecumenical ties between church and to identify and develop joint strategies to better support our people.

Today more than ever, as church and church related agencies, we are committed to creating critical and proactive consciousness in the population so they play a protagonist role in the development of our country. We consider absolutely important the study and correct interpretation of the Bible, as we can find many answers to the situation we live in and how we should proceed. It is no longer time to think that we should be subject to an oppressive system; God teaches us that we are Royal Priesthood, that is to say, subjects that impel change.

Do not give up, do not surrender. Although the cold is burning hot, although the fear bites, although the sun sets and the wind is silenced, there is still fire in your soul; there is still life in your bosom. Mario Benedetti